Heel Spurs from Running

Heel Spurs and Bursitis "usually occur together, and the treatment for them is exactly the same." You can tell if you have heel spurs by pressing on the front of the heel; press where the heel meets the arch, and press backward toward the back of the heel. If you feel pain, you have heel spurs. Heel spurs can be caused by running on hard surfaces, running on the balls of your feet during speed work and hills, and by excessive time spent in running.

Dr. Murray Weisenfeld, in his book The Runner's Repair Manual, devotes several pages to heel spurs, and if you're having pain on the bottom of your foot, you would be well advised to get his book and read his discussion, especially since he says that you probably can't solve the problem yourself and will likely need treatment from a podiatrist. He suggests you try his "home treatment" suggestions before going to a podiatrist.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical or physical therapy advice. For medical advice, consult a physician. For physical therapy advice, consult a physical therapist.